Showing posts with label Studios Galleries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Studios Galleries. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Post 71: How the Artwork is Hung at Clearbrook Center of the Arts

How the Artwork is Hung at Clearbrook Center of the Arts

The Prince William Art Society (PWAS, pronounced fondly as "P-WAHZ") is a non-profit art group in Prince William County. We display our artwork at Clearbrook Center of the Arts which is an art gallery here in Lake Ridge, Virginia (Northern Virginia - Woodbridge area). The gallery is open every weekend, Saturday and Sunday, from 1 to 4 and our artist members volunteer their time "manning the gallery". The artwork is changed out bi-monthly. The theme changes, new artwork is brought in, and some other pieces are moved around, making the gallery fresh for viewing. 

 

The PWAS group called the "Clearbrook Committee" take care of this process and do an AWESOME job each Changeover. This article is by Barbara Abel and Bilee Sciuto and with this post, they give us a view on how it is done and what all is involved in the process.

 

 - "A lot of what we do revolves around what artwork we have to work with each Changeover, and how we feel about the artwork."

 

First Day: Drop Off and Pick Up Day

First thing - We check out the storage room to see what people have dropped off.  Jewell (Pratt Burns) has been helping by checking each separate piece of art to ensure the hanging system is correct and that if the artwork is on canvas, that all of the sides have been painted.  

 

We do other checks as well – making sure that there are no random pencil marks, etc.  We found one piece several months ago that was a drawing that that “looked left”, but the under-drawing looked right and down.  The artist obviously was trying to decide on composition, but didn’t erase the first marks.  

 

We also hung a piece that looked good, but a couple days later the glued screw pulled out of the frame and the whole piece fell off the wall – luckily over one of the counters and did not damage anyone else’s artwork.  We have tried to add to the hanging requirements to not glue screws, to erase your earlier marks, and other requirements, but we often find stuff we don’t expect to. See the page "Display"

Taking Art Down

Another part of drop off/pick up is removing all the art off the walls and staging it in groups around the gallery.  This past Changeover, I staged art by the artist, thinking it might help people coming in to pick up art (it didn’t – we had several people come in and drop off/pick up early.)  Sometimes as we take art off the walls, we stage the new art with the art to stay, by color groups or themes (animals, holidays, etc.).  

 

Bilee has asked that next time, I stage all art with the current theme on or near the alien’s bench (Entrance door right) because the theme wall is her specialty and it will keep her from having to look all over the building to see what artwork can be used on the theme wall.  By the way, Bilee has done the Theme Wall for maybe the past 2 years and has a special touch for it.   You should talk to her about how she figures out what to do and where to place each piece as the theme wall starts off totally clean with no artwork on it.  So, the first wall to be dealt with is the theme wall. (I'll need to do that! - DL)

 

The Theme Wall for November and December 2021 - Winter and Holidays
 

Line of View

One of the most important walls to deal with early is the wall directly across from the front door.  It is the first one seen by a visitor, and we try to use artwork that is beautiful, impactful, and pretty much the best of all the artwork provided to us to hang.   We don’t always hit that mark, unfortunately. (I believe they do extremely well! As they say, sometimes we are our own worse critics, right? - DL)


Moving on, Shadow and I separately pick out art that resonates with us at the moment and stage it near the wall on which we are thinking it will hang. Then we search the rest of the artwork for related themes or colors, or something that will make the first piece “pop” or other aspects that might go with the first piece we chose and move it near the wall on which it might hang.  Sometimes, it takes the three of us sitting down looking at what we have and trying to decide if the items all work together.  Sometimes they don’t – this past Changeover we were working on building a wall with blue nautical themes and there was one piece I was trying to fit in that just didn’t work.  We moved it to one of the walls in the time capsule room where it fit perfectly.

We often give preference of placement to new artists – so their art will show up in the lobby or the hall leading to the backroom.   

A Committee Committed to Being a Team

We collaborate a lot while hanging art, and get each other’s opinions as to whether something works or not, and also, is the artwork hung straight, is it too high or low, does it need to be moved right or left?

We keep picking up artwork and walking through the gallery to find the perfect place to hang it.  The time capsule room and the back room are often the last rooms to be finished, and some of the artwork winding up in those rooms are pieces that don’t match well with any of the artwork left to hang, or pieces that have been hanging in the gallery for several months.   Or pieces that go perfectly with several other pieces…

Some of the last things we do are to tape down the plastic of the hanging system if needed, and to make sure each piece has 2 cards identifying it (one on back, one on the bottom right site of the artwork OR on the wall next to the artwork.) and finally, to just do a sanity check that we are happy with the results.

Hanging art becomes very touchy-feely – and I’m not sure I’ve given the process the best explanation possible.  We all have favorite art pieces, and the 3 of us respect each other’s opinions, which are sometimes wildly different.  Somehow we get the job done, and most of the time we can walk out thinking – yeah, that looks good!

Barbara/Bilee

Of note here is that the Prince William Art Society, probably like any art group, is composed of all sorts of artists: some with art educations, artists that are self-taught, artists that have been painting, selling, and showing artwork for years, AND artists that are newer to the art world and are learning the ropes (or wires) as it were and as it should be. We are ALL learning from each other.

A very BIG thank you to Barbara and Bilee for this behind the scenes look at how its hanging at Clearbrook, and we have to include Jewell and Shadow (Clearbrook Chair) for the wonderful displays each month. Thank you all. - DL






 


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: Barbara Abel
PWAS and Clearbrook Committee artist member in Woodbridge, VA

Author: Bilee Sciuto
PWAS and Clearbrook Committee artist member
 
Author/Editor: 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/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits:
Shadow

Monday, October 18, 2021

Post 46: PWAS Member Stephanie McGee Congratulations!

PWAS Member Stephanie McGee Congratulations!

 
"Peacock Fan" by Stephanie McGee wins second place!

Stephanie McGee

Stephanie wins the second prize at Creative Brush Studio and P-Art-Ners Best of the Region 4 - Award of Excellence. A big well done Stephanie! She is a new PWAS member and two of her really cool quilling artworks are entered in the "Best of the Region 4" at Creative Brush Studio, in Manassas, VA and will be on display until November 17, 2021. "Peacock Fan" and "Flamingo" are her two pieces.

There are 65 pieces entered in the show and 2 more awards will be announced on November 5th - Artists' Choice and People's Choice. All of the Artists voted on their favorite and non-Artists voted on theirs.

The only way to truly appreciate the art is to see it IN PERSON. You can really appreciate the color, the details, the textures by seeing it with your own eyes. That being said, I captured photos of nearly all the entries and -can you imagine how hard this was to judge!!??
 
PWAS member Andrea Castaneda's "Snow White" 24x24 Oil over Plexiglass and Gold Leaf
PWAS member Bettie Sperty "Dragonfly" 11x14 Acrylics, color shifting acrylics, raised silver leaf, micro beads and other sparkle stuff
Michele Frantz "Pals" 16x20 Watercolor
Sissie Lewis "End of the Day" 21x25 Oils

Steve Morales "Steel Zinnias" 24x28 Oil on Canvas
PWAS member Brenda Vann "Abstract Carnations" 14.5x18.5 Watercolor and Acrylic 
Michele Frantz "Appalachian Spring" 14x18 Collage

PWAS member Stephanie McGee's "Peacock Fan" 22x32 Paper Quilling/3-D Collage

Honorable Mention - Alejandra Peneiro "Infinity" 14x18 Oil on Canvas
Ann McCarty "Passage Creek Swimming Hole" 16x20 Oil on Canvas

Kathleen Frampton "Blue Sky Marsh" 17x19 Watercolor
Maureen Guillot "Chincoteague Marsh Land" 10x12 Oil on Canvas
Valerie Larson "Breathing Room" 16x20 Watercolor

Deborah Schneider "Shenandoah River #1" 18x24 Oil

Alejandra Pineiro "Melancholy" 24x30 Oil on Canvas 
Rebekah Keener "Sundog" 12x12 Acrylic
PWAS member Bettie Sperty "Sneak Peek" 20x20 Acrylic with Sparkly Stars on Canvas

Cynthia Schoeppel "Courage" 16x20 Mixed Media
Patty Gulledge "Peggy's Cove" 13x18.5 Pastel 
Kristine Pfeffer "Just Beachy" 9x11 Oil

Christine Raymond "Rushing Water" 12x14 Oil 
Bethany Richard "Natural Bridge" 10x12 Oil on Panel
Ann McCarty "Ocean Front" 20x24 Oil on Canvas
Noreen Brunini "Grapes & Crystal" 16x20 Watercolor

Laura Lavarnway "The Bone" 18.5x22.5 Watercolor

Mike McSorley "Red Teapot #4" 11x10 Oil on Panel
Jill Brabant "The Golden Background" 15x18 Oil

Janet Hansen Martinet "Beware the Cat in the Coleus" 20x16 Watercolor
PWAS member Maria Briganti "Secret Garden" 13x16 Acrylic
Bethany Richard "Paris Winter Bounty" 12x15 Oil on Canvas

Caitlyn Raymond "Becoming Content" 27x23 Oils

Nina Gribov "Fall Beauty" 14x11 Oil
Rebekah Keener "Octopus Garden" 8x8 Acrylic

Althea Marie Robinson "Lemon Curd" 10x13 Oil on Canvas
 Nina Gribov "Fall Colors" 18x14 Oil
Janet Hansen Martinet "Rhododendron 'Hotspur'" 21x25 Watercolor

Valerie Larsen "I Cream of Creamy" 6x6 Acrylic 
Mike McSorley "Silver Teapot #2" 10x8 Oil on Panel

Monica Curran "Morning Light" 10x20 Oil
Steve Morales "Seat with a View" 24x28 Oil on Canvas

Kerry Molina "Crimson Musings" 12x24 Acrylic 
Diane Bennett "Skyline Memories" 14x18 Oil

PWAS member Stephanie McGee "Flamingo" 17x20 Paper Quilling/3-D Collage

Maureen Guillot "Dry Pond at Frying Pan Park 10x12 Oil on Canvas
Jill Brabant "Peonies and Provence" 24x20 Oil

Josephia Phillips "Smile" 9x12 Oil on Gesso Canvas and "Muse" 11x14 Oil on Gesso Board 
Dennis Dubois "Mandolin" 19x23 Oil on Canvas

Patty Gulledge "Profile in Beauty" 14.5x18 Pastel
Dennis Dubois "Tired" 12.5x15.5 Oil on Canvas

Mary Reilly "Take Five" 13.5x10.5 Oil on Linen Panel and "City Sounds" 18x10 Oil on Linen Panel

Corban Hubler "The Weaver" 19x23 Oils
Candace Flanagan "Skull in Candlelight" 11.5x14.5 Left and Right Diptych Oil on Canvas

Caitlyn Raymond "Fancy Water Time" 34x26 Charcoal

Corban Hubler "Discovery in the Deep" 18x21 Oils 
David Firkin "Still Life with Glasses" 27x23 Oil

David Firken "Lighthouse" 27x31 Oil

Honorable Mention - "Octopus Garden" by Rebekah Keener

Award of Merit - "Lemon Curd" by Althea Marie Robinson (Note its already Sold)

First Place Best in Show - "Smile" by Josepha Phillips

Honorable Mention - Discovery in the Deep by Corban Hubler

Noreen Brunini "Aging Gracefully" 16x20 Watercolor with Gesso Underlay
PWAS member Maria Briganti "Pollinators" 12x24 Acrylic
Alethea Robinson "Mountains of Tennessee" 9x12 Watercolor on Arches Paper
PWAS member Donna Liguria "Saltwater Aquarium" 16x20 Acrylic and "Streams Never Stay the Same" 11x14 Acrylic


Announcing the winners on Facebook Live 

PWAS Members were there with art on the walls along with Stephanie McGee - Brenda Vann, Andrea Castanedo, Maria Briganti, Bettie Sperty, and me - Donna Liguria.

Kudos to the folks at Creative Brush Studio and P-ART-NERS for a wonderful day and I hope you stop in and look at the great display.



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/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: 
Donna Liguria

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Post 45: Best of the Region 4 Winners Will Be Announced Today

Best of the Region 4 Winners Will Be Announced Today

An art reception at Creative Brush Studio at 8951 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110. The winner will be announced about 3pm.

Reception Oct 17 2-6pm. The artwork will be on display until mid November!



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/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: 
Creative Brush Studio

Friday, October 15, 2021

Post 42: Best of the Region 4 Reception at Creative Brush Studio, Manassas

Best of the Region 4 Reception at Creative Brush Studio, Manassas, VA

PWAS is represented at Best of the Region 4! You are invited to come see the display and meet all of the artists for this juried fine art show and sale.

A Reception and a Show

The reception will take place on Sunday, October 17, 2021 from 2 to 6 pm. The winner will be announced around 3 pm. 

Five PWAS members have selected artwork on display at this event. Come by and support the team!
 
The artwork will be on display until November 18th.

Creative Brush - Fine Art Studios and Gallery
8951 Center Street
Manassas, Virginia 20110
 

 

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/.
 
 
Photography/Video Credits: 
Creative Brush Studios