Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Post 93: Clearbrook Closed Jan 1 and 2, 2022, Art Changeover

Clearbrook Closed Jan 1 and 2, 2022, Upcoming Art Changeover

Clearbrook is closed again this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, January 1 and 2 for the holiday, but all of the Prince William Art Society artists are hustling and bustling-busy with the end of the year family-holidays, business, and art duties that need to be done for the next January/February 2022 Changeover.

I was on a mission for myself to finish painting the mini paintings I had. Earlier in the year I purchased a box of 100 3x4 mini stretched canvases, and I finished the last one just this morning. Whew! Just made it. (Wouldn't you know, I purchased another case of 100 recently, so that is staring at me for 2022.)

PWAS Members - Art Changeover at Clearbrook

The new theme is Black and White with a pop of color. PWAS Member Artists are encouraged to bring in their art for the new theme or whatever they want to display by Monday, Jan 3, 2022 - before 3pm. Art taken down will be ready for pickup Monday and/or Tuesday evening, Jan 3 and 4.

The new theme should be really interesting, I am really looking forward to seeing what people have come up with for this one. 
 
 
So remember the 2 labels on the artwork and update your inventory lists so we will be ready for when we have Clearbrook open again on January 8 and 9, 2022 with all the NEW ART!

And a Happy New Year!

I wish you all a very Happy New Year - to my Prince William Art Society friends and all of you visiting and loving the art that we create. May your year be filled with much love, many blessings, and lots of new creating! Have an ARTASTIC NEW YEAR!

Come by and see us!


Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!


Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Post 92: Pt3- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

Pt3- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

This is part 3 of the Christmas photos of the Prince William Art Society celebrating their annual Christmas party on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Clearbrook Center of the Arts.

Gift Exchange, the Gift of Art

Be sure and check out Part 1 and 2 - I spread the pictures out over 3 blog posts.
 
PWAS celebrates by Christmas every year by each person bringing a wrapped artwork they created for the holiday gift exchange. Normally, there is a meeting every month on the 4th Monday of the month but not in December! 

The food was great, the gift exchange fun, getting to sit down and chat with the other PWAS members was even better. It was a fun time. Here are the last of the pictures from the party AND...

Merry Christmas to ALL and have a Happy New Year! Let's make 2022 soooo much better than 2021 and 2020! I saw a tweet the other day that had "Baby, it's COVID outside"! I say NO - let's get back to normal in 2022!







 

Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: Ana Quispe
A local artist in Woodbridge, VA, a member and New President of PWAS.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Post 91: Pt2- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

Pt2- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

This is part 2 of a 3 part series of pictures from the  Prince William Art Society celebrating their annual Christmas party on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Clearbrook Center of the Arts. We had fun!

Gift Exchange, the Gift of Art

Check out the images from the other 2 posts too! PWAS celebrates by Christmas every year by each person bringing a wrapped artwork they created for the holiday gift exchange. Normally, there is a meeting every month on the 4th Monday of the month but not in December! (Actually, there is no meeting in January either, so see you in February 2022.)
 
 





Look for Part 3 tomorrow!
 

Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: Ana Quispe
A local artist in Woodbridge, VA, a member and New President of PWAS.

Monday, December 20, 2021

Post 90: Pt1- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

Pt1- PWAS Christmas Party Friday, December 10, 2021

The Prince William Art Society celebrated their annual Christmas party on Friday, December 10, 2021 at Clearbrook Center of the Arts. Everyone brought the makings of the party and a great time was had by all.

Gift Exchange, the Gift of Art

PWAS celebrates by Christmas every year by each person bringing a wrapped artwork they created for the holiday gift exchange. Normally, there is a meeting every month on the 4th Monday of the month but not in December! 
 
Members sign up for an appetizer, a main or a side dish, a dessert or the plates/misc or beverages. The committee sets up for the party with the layout, tables, chairs, food areas, etc. The appetizers were the first to go, and they were awesome...

Once everyone arrives, the main dishes and sides are disappearing fast. 
Then the gift exchange begins, all while Christmas music is playing, and all of the member's artwork hanging around the gallery in the background as well.







Look for part 2 tomorrow!
 


Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: Ana Quispe
A local artist in Woodbridge, VA, a member and New President of PWAS.
 

Friday, December 17, 2021

Post 89: PWAS Congratulations and Recognition December 2021

PWAS Congratulations and Recognition December 2021

We at the Prince William Art Society would like to recognize our artist members that have recently been awarded or recognized at various art events, galleries, contests, etc that they have been selected for. This could include First, Second, or Third Place or have entered a juried art event and selected to appear in a show, a gallery, a studio, and of course, if he or she won a prize for it!

Give a Shout Out to the PWAS Members!


Photo by Liam McGarry on Unsplash 

Otis Stanley

Otis won First Place in the People's Choice Award at Stonebridge Open Space Art which was a juried event that ran from November 26 to December 12, 2021. The painting in the center won First Place, called "Sultry".
 

Penny Shaw

Penny tied for Second Place in the People's Choice Award at Stonebridge Open Space Art which was a juried event that ran from November 26 to December 12, 2021, for this painting - which was also purchased. "Birch Trees"
 

Donna Liguria

Donna tied with Penny for Second Place in the People's Choice Award at Stonebridge Open Space Art which was a juried event that ran from November 26 to December 12, 2021. Donna's painting is called, "Mountain Path".

 

Sandra Lewin McClelland

I would like to recognize Sandra for her several years of service as the President of the Prince William Art Society and all of her dedication and determination, successes and contributions to the improvements and benefits of PWAS and its members. Her term as President will be coming to a close at the end of this month and I wanted to say, thank you for a job well done!

Herb Williams

Although not a member of PWAS, I would like to also recognize and thank Herb Williams of the Prince William County Arts Council (PWCAC) for his role for making Stonebridge happen - in working with the great folks at Stonebridge (JBG Smith) and opening Open Space Art. Herb and Sandra both worked tirelessly to prepare and open the space where PWAS members were able to submit art pieces to be juried into this show that just closed December 12th. It was quite a success for us at PWAS and for Prince William County.

Other Congrats Go To:

And once again, a big congrats to:

Ana Quispe - our new PWAS President

Staci Blanchard - our new PWAS Vice President

Maria Briganti - our PWAS Secretary

Ken Meardon - our PWAS Treasurer

Also, to Linda Keuntje, the Member at Large.

Let's have a GREAT 2022!


Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits:
Staci Blanchard and Donna Liguria

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Post 88: Shop Local, Support the Arts - Clearbrook Center of the Arts This Weekend!

Shop Local, Support the Arts - Clearbrook Center of the Arts This Weekend!

How about original handmade artwork as a gift? While shopping local (NOVA, Woodbridge, Virginia area) at Clearbrook Center of the Arts you can not only support small business (artists ARE small business), and supporting the arts, you can give the thoughtful gift for friends or family.

Browse the Art

We have art from various local artist members at multiple price points. We have mini art (3x4 mini canvases with the easel), art prints (various sizes), and of course, fine art in many different styles, sizes and are very affordable. All types of themes including a theme wall with holiday and winter artwork, florals, photoart, abstract art, beach themes, animals and bee paintings, fantasy, and everything in between.

Where is Clearbrook?


Do you know where Tackett's Mill in Woodbridge is? Well, go around to the back lower side - where the mill is and look for Clearbrook there.

    Clearbrook Center of the Arts 2230 B Tackett’s Mill Drive Lake Ridge, VA 22192 - Clearbrook is open THIS Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4pm Dec 18, 19, 2021.
     
    The gallery will be closed for two weekends for the holidays - Dec 25, 26, 2021 and Jan 1, 2, 2022 so shop this weekend!
     
    Get a jump on your Christmas shopping while supporting local AND small ART businesses! Artists are small businesses!
     

     


    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.
     

    Tuesday, December 14, 2021

    Post 87: PWAS: New Board of Directors for PWAS

    Prince William Art Society New Board of Directors for 2022-23

    At the PWAS monthly meeting on November 22, 2021, some big topics were on the agenda along with voting for PWAS Board of Directors. A few positions continue, a few new people are on deck.

    Congratulations to the New PWAS Board - Let's Meet Them Here

    Let's give a big congratulations to our new BOD!

    PWAS President: Ana Quispe

    Ana is an artist living in Woodbridge, Virginia working in mixed media, acrylics, and watercolor. She has been a member of the Prince William Art Society since 2015 and has more recently been on of the board members of PWAS serving as Vice President. Ana received a Master's in Special Education and works in her community. She loves learning from a diverse community through work, volunteering, and more.

    Her artwork has had many influences over the years, from her love of colors, and her varied background: from academics, a blend of cultures, and experience as well as from some of her favorite artists.  She challenges herself and its shows mostly in works in abstract, landscape, and animals. 

     

     

    PWAS Vice President: Staci Blanchard

    Staci Blanchard is a 51 yr old mom, wife, and caretaker when she isn’t painting. Staci is a self-taught artist who first started painting about 3 years ago for therapeutic reasons. She quickly discovered painting and creating was more than a hobby for her. Once she realized others enjoyed her creations, she started looking for ways to put her art out into the world. She joined PWAS in August of this year (2021) and immediately felt at home with all of the new and wonderful people she met.

    As Vice President, Staci hopes to contribute in the growth of the PWAS membership, to create opportunities for her fellow PWAS members to display and sell their work, and for increased awareness of the visual arts in Prince William County.


    PWAS Secretary: Maria Briganti

    Maria was born and raised in Austria and her family moved to the USA in the 1960's - when Maria learned to speak, read and write English. She was exposed to a lot of art culture growing up, but it was pushed aside while raising her family, once marriage and holding a career priorities were in place. Her family moved to Virginia when her youngest was in his teens, and she took some art classes at NOVA and with private art instructors. She found PWAS and joined their art group to get back into art world. By 1987, she joined their board and has been on the Board (nearly) ever since. Maria has been President twice, Vice President twice, and is currently the PWAS Secretary. 

    During the past 20 years, Maria has been a member of the Fairfax Art League, the Clifton Art League, exhibited with the Torpedo Factory and at the Lorton Workhouse when it started. She has also served and been a member on the Board of ArtBeat (which was a co-op in Old Town Manassas for 14 years) which sadly no longer exists. Her art training was in Old Master Techniques, which she states that she has strayed from over the years and until she found her niche. Her favorite mediums are pastel and oils. She also paints miniatures and has sold them up and down the East Coast. Other memberships include the Manassas Art  Guild and P-Art-ners, both located in Manassas. She loves being around artist friends and she states that they keep her on her game.


     

    PWAS Treasurer: Ken Meardon

    Ken began his “photoart” endeavors while living in North Carolina and had his first art show in Hillsborough, NC, in November 2005.  In 2006, Ken received a People’s Choice award for his photoart in Hillsborough, NC, and in 2008, was awarded 2nd Place in Photography at the 2008 Hearts of Virginia Festival in Farmville, VA.  In 2011, Ken and his wife and moved to Northern Virginia when he took a new job.  In September 2014, he exhibited his multi-level photoart at the Buchanan Partners Arts Gallery at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia.  Ken has been an active member of the Prince William Art Society (PWAS) for about 7 to 8 years.

    In the middle of 2021, Ken assumed the duties of Treasurer for PWAS and will be continuing in that role for 2022.  In assuming these duties, he reviewed and still continue to review the PWAS finances – how much income the group generates and from where (membership dues, sales, and show fees), and how PWAS spends that income (e.g., insurance, post office box, show fees, supplies).  As part of the budget for 2022 that Ken is required (as Treasurer) to prepare, he will put forward recommendations to the PWAS board concerning membership dues, percentage of sales that PWAS keeps, and the amount PWAS charges to participate in shows.  The recommendations are intended to generate enough income to meet the financial responsibilities while at the same time encourage all members to participate in PWAS shows and other activities.  In sum, Ken believes that that no one in PWAS should feel that they cannot afford to be an active member.


    PWAS Member at Large: Linda Keuntje

    Linda joined PWAS in 2020, looking to connect with a community of artists. She's found great support for these early years of exploring her creativity. Linda enjoys developing her sketching skills, especially life drawing. She also paints in acrylics when she makes the most of bright colors. Some of her favorite pieces are the murals decorating her house. Linda recently experimented with polymer clay and hopes to use learning from her figure drawings to build that skill. As Member-at-Large, Linda looks forward to getting to know the Society members better and bringing their ideas and concerns to the Board. Linda hopes that as PWAS grows, it reaches artists of all media and stays accessible and inviting to the creative and the curious in Prince William County.

    PWAS is - the Prince William Art Society

    President: Ana Quispe
    Vice President: Staci Blanchard
    Treasurer: Ken Meardon
    Secretary: Maria Briganti
    Member at Large: Linda Keuntje
    Committee Volunteers. These committees can always use some additional help. Please contact the Committee Chair if you are interested in helping.
    Clearbrook Committee:
    Chair: Shadow Campbell
    Staci Blanchard
    Sandra Lewin
    Possibly others not on the sign-up sheet
    Social Media Committee:
    Chair: Donna Liguria
    Ana Quispe
    Andrea Castaneda
    Sandra Lewin
    Event/Show Committee:
    Chair: Sandra Lewin
    Individual show Chair: Ken Meardon
    Individual show Chair: Barbara Abel
    Programs Committee:
            Chair: Emily Hawes
    Hospitality Committee:
    Chair: Penny Shaw
    Phone Tree Committee:
    Chair: Jewell Pratt Burns
    Linda Keuntje
    Possibly others not on the sign-up sheet
    Scholarsip Committee:
    Chair: Jewell Pratt Burns
    Emily Hawes
     
     
    By the way, I want to thank all who volunteer and get in there to do the work to get the job of PWAS done. In 2021, we celebrated the 50-year mile-marker anniversary of PWAS, and it happened because of its members volunteering. - Donna Liguria
     

    About the PWAS Board of Directors

    The BOD serves for a period of two years, presiding over member meetings. 

    The President convenes at least 6 Executive Board Meetings per year, prepares agendas and delegates responsibilities and assigns tasks, while serving as a liaison between public, other organizations, and the Society.

    The Vice President is an assistant to the President, and fills those shoes if the President is absent. The VP is the liaison with Committee Chair persons, and Society members.

    The Secretary records the Minutes of the Executive Board Meetings and general membership meetings. Duties include correspondence, maintain the By-Laws and Amendments and/or Special Rules.

    The Treasurer receives all of the Society's funds, deposits, bill paying, art sales and distribution of those sales, maintaining, reporting, and budgeting of all finances, revenues and expenses. Duties include the membership database, corporate license, insurance, and dues to Prince William County Arts Council (PWCAC)

    The Member-At-Large represents the Society members interests at the Executive Board level.

    Congratulate the new team in the comments!

    Please see our blog post on "Getting Involved in Your Local Art Group"

    https://artistryspin.blogspot.com/2021/10/post-57-joining-your-local-art-groups.html


    Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at Tackett's Mill in Lake Ridge, VA on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 – it’s free to see the artwork! Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


    Thank you for visiting, and remember to Share, Follow, and Comment!

    Author: Donna Liguria
    An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.